Last 24 hours have left Manchester City in 'shock', says Brian Kidd

He hailed the players for managing a 2-0 win at Reading on Tuesday evening, as they were the "ones who have had to put up with stuff off the pitch."

The assistant took charge of the side for the game after David Platt, the first-team coach, resigned to follow Mancini, a close friend, out of the club. Goals from Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko confirmed City will finish second in the Premier League as they are now six points clear of Chelsea, on 78 points, with only one game left. Kidd said: "What has gone on in the last 24 hours was a shock to the staff, and before the game I would have just taken the result, to get the three points and take second place.

"You'd have to ask the players how they feel. It's all credit to the players they are the ones who have had to put up with stuff off the pitch. I am pleased for them because it would have been a travesty if we hadn't finished second.

"We appreciate the fans, and they were disappointed, and we were disappointed, on Saturday [with the FA Cup final defeat to Wigan Athletic].

"To be honest, the three points was the most important thing. When you get to this stage of the season it's not about performances, but getting results and it was on my mind that we needed to seal that second spot in the league. That's the least we could do, and the staff, the fans and the players did it for the club. I was pleased with the way the players acknowledged the fans, but those players really appreciated it."

Throughout the game the travelling fans sang Mancini's name to again show their support for the former manager who led the club to last Cup. "There were 1,300 of them, disappointed after Wembley, but they turned out and you could hear them. The players and the backroom staff have been terrific. I was asked to take charge for [the last] two games, and being a Manchester lad, I couldn't say 'no'. I wouldn't have been able to walk down Market Street if I had."

Regarding Platt's resignation, a club statement said: "With regret Manchester City announce that David Platt has this afternoon left his role as assistant manager at the club. David was offered the opportunity to continue his work with us but has declined the invitation. He has decided to leave his role with his close friend Roberto Mancini."